Constitution of the State of Arizona
1912
Arizona's constitution was drafted by a convention in Phoenix in 1910 and ratified by territorial voters in February 1911, but it met an unusual obstacle on the road to statehood: President William Howard Taft objected to its provision for the recall of judges, and Congress required Arizona to remove that clause before granting statehood on February 14, 1912. Arizona promptly restored the judicial recall provision by amendment after admission, a pointed assertion of state sovereignty that set the tone for its constitution's character. The document is a product of the Progressive Era, reflecting the movement's deep suspicion of concentrated power: it includes provisions for initiative, referendum, and recall that make Arizona one of the most direct-democracy-oriented states in the union.
Preamble
We, the people of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.
Declaration of Rights
A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential to the security of individual rights and the perpetuity of free government. All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness. The powers of the government of the State of Arizona are divided into three separate departments, the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial; and, except as provided in this Constitution, such departments shall be separate and distinct, and no one of such departments shall exercise the powers properly belonging to either of the others. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.